Tag Archives: Disney Store

On November 25, 2013, the first version of the popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to open outside the Disney Parks was officially opened in Harrods Department Store in London, England. The opening of the boutique was a part of a larger deal between the world-famous department store and Disney, which also included a new Disney Store and a Disney Café. The boutique was specifically designed for a UK audience, designed as a castle within the Harrods walls. Guests between the ages of 3 and 12 are able to transform into princesses or knights. Both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Disney Store closed on June 1, 2017.

On November 8, 2004, Disney made available their first gift cards in Disneyland Park. Selling for amounts ranging from $5 to $1,500, the gift cards were made available at a variety of merchandise stands within the park. The gift card option was subsequently added to the Disney Store in-person locations, Walt Disney World, and Disney Store online.; they are now available in a variety of styles featuring favorite Disney characters.

“Shop by character and find great products for every moment of the day!”

On September 8, 2012, the first Disney Baby store opened in Glendale, California. Located right near Walt Disney Imagineering, the store focuses on children ranging from newborn to two-years-old, with character merchandise ranging from popular Pixar films, to Disney Princesses, to classic Disney characters. A special ceremony was held for the store’s grand opening, featuring celebrity appearances, Disney-themed snacks for babies, and a concert by the Blue Sky Riders.

October 3, 1996 – World of Disney Opens in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Area

“Explore the world’s largest Disney character store, and discover 12 rooms brimming with apparel, collectibles, pins, and more!”

On October 3, 1996, the World of Disney store opened in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Marketplace area. The store is the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, with twelve rooms spanning 50,000 square feet. The store’s contents range from collectible pins, to clothing, to kitchenware, and everything in between. Similar stores have since been built in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney area in 2001, and on Fifth Avenue, New York, in 2004.

On August 12, 2005, Disney Channel Star of Even Stevens and the voice of the titular Kim Possible Christy Carlson Romano was on hand at the World of Disney Store in New York City to sign autographs and meet fans. 75 “InspEARations” statues of Mickey Mouse had been touring around the country this year, and nine, including one designed by Romano in the likeness of her Kim Possible character, were on display during her visit.

“The Disney Store has been enthusiastically received everywhere we’ve opened, and we see many additional opportunities in a variety of markets worldwide.” – Thomas A. Heymann, then President of The Disney Store Worldwide

On July 5, 1996, the 500th Disney Store opened in Phoenix, Arizona, making it the state’s sixth Disney Store location overall. Since opening in 1987, the growth of the chain exploded, with stores located in four continents; 100 stores alone were opened in the previous year. In 1996, the Disney Store was Japan’s largest foreign retailer without a Japanese partner, and many stores located oversees were built in popular and prestigious locations, such as Regent Street in London and the Champs Ellysees in Paris.

“Disney Dollars are the official currency of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort, and Disney Store locations in the United States – including Puerto Rico.”

On May 5, 1987, a park-exclusive form of currency known as Disney Dollars was made available in American Disney parks, and has been expanded to use in Disney Stores. The value of the currency is equivalent to U.S. currency, with guests being able to purchase Disney Dollars either through credit cards or cashier’s checks. They come in three denominations: $1 (featuring Mickey Mouse), $5 (featuring Goofy), and $10 (featuring Minnie). A limited edition $50 bill featuring Mickey was available for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. Within the parks, the currency can be used to buy tickets, merchandise, and at guest relations.